Fall will be here before you know it. For many parents, that means kids with stuffy noses and sore throats.
After years of study, there is still no cure for the common cold, but there are several remedies that can minimize symptoms and even reduce the life of the cold. Here are a few all-natural treatments you may consider giving your child.
8 Natural Cold Relief Options for Kids
Raw Honey
Research has shown that raw honey may be even more effective than popular OTC’s when it comes to relieving a cough. Mix some into warm water or a non caffeinated herbal tea or just give your child a spoonful straight. This treatment is recommended for children one and over, as younger children may get botulism by eating honey.
Chicken Soup
It may seem old fashioned, but chicken soup has proven to have healing effects that may relieve the symptoms of a cold. Components of the soup may ease respiratory tract infections and irritations. The steam coming off the soup will also loosen congestion.
Saline Nose Drops or Sprays
Saline nose drops or sprays will relieve a stuffy nose making it easier for your child to breathe. These drops are free of medications that can cause unwanted side effects.
Encourage Rest
Children will be in a better position to fight off infection if they are well rested. Even if your child is begging to play video games, see to it that they get a few minutes to lie down and relax.
Put a Cool Mist Humidifier in Their Room
Humidity can help to reduce congestion. Placing a humidifier in your child’s room will minimize that stuffed up feeling. Make sure it’s clean before using it to prevent germ buildup.
Keep Them Hydrated
Liquids will decrease the pain of a scratchy throat. They also loosen mucus in the nose and keep the body hydrated so it can defend itself against cold and flu symptoms. While there are many liquids that may do the trick, water is best.
Gargle with Warm Salt Water
If your child is complaining about a sore throat, warm salt water could be the golden ticket. Dissolve a bit of salt in warm water, ¼ to ½ tsp. per 8 ounces of water is ideal, and have your child gargle for a few seconds with each sip. This treatment is recommended for children eight and over.
OTC Treatments
There are some OTC treatments with all natural ingredients that are designed to provide cold relief for children. Boiron Children’s Coldcalm Cold Relief is highly recommended.
Boiron is an award-winning homeopathic company that takes a compassionate and ecological approach to medicine. Their Coldcalm Cold Relief is designed to relieve sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat in children three and up. It’s non drowsy and it does not produce any drug interactions.
It’s never fun for parents to see their child dealing with a nasty cold. Fortunately, there are all natural remedies that are effective in relieving symptoms. Which do you use when you see those sniffles start?